John-Paul Besong, senior vice president of e-Business and Lean Electronics at Rockwell Collins, speaking at the 2009 Prometheus Awards. Photo courtesy of Technology Association of Iowa.
Nominations for the Technology Association of Iowa‘s 2010 Prometheus Awards are due next Friday, January 29. These annual awards, sometimes called the “Academy Awards of Iowa’s high-tech industry,” highlight the accomplishments of technology companies around the state. Any technology company is eligible to submit for the awards in a variety of categories. The ceremony will be held Tuesday, April 6 at The Meadows Events & Conference Center in Altoona.
I recently had the chance to learn more about the event from Jennifer O’Connor, the director of programs and services for the association.
Thanks to our sponsor
Silicon Prairie News: What are the Prometheus Awards?
Jennifer O’Connor: The Prometheus Awards are recognized as Iowa’s largest and most prestigious awards devoted to promoting and celebrating the innovation and high-tech excellence in Iowa. This showcase honors companies and individuals who represent the best and brightest in technology and business and have demonstrated outstanding leadership and innovation.
SPN: Who should submit for the awards?
Jennifer: We encourage anyone in the technology industry to submit nominations for the Prometheus Awards. The 18 different award categories highlight companies – from local startups to well-established – as well as individuals. Award categories recognize technology companies, government entities as well as students and educators. Submitting a nomination for the Prometheus Awards is a great way to boost employee morale by recognizing hard-working individuals within an organization. It’s also a beneficial way to participate in external public relations. Finalists and winners are viewed as key players in Iowa’s high-tech industry, and funders, analysts and members of the press mine this list throughout the year for Iowa leads. More information on award categories and submission requirements can be found at our website.
SPN: How do Prometheus Award winners utilize the recognition that comes with the award?
Jennifer: This year marks the fifth annual Prometheus Awards celebration. Companies routinely use their status as a Prometheus finalist or winner on their websites, in marketing materials and in corporate communications. They also use it as a great excuse to celebrate with their teams the hard work and accomplishments of the previous year. We also see companies use their award as a springboard as they take their company to the next level and come back the following year for another award. The Technology Association of Iowa (TAI) initially created these awards to showcase the innovative work happening in Iowa. It remains a priority for the TAI to bring the industry together to celebrate innovation and also educate others – both locally and nationally – on what is occurring around the state.
SPN: Who should attend the Prometheus Awards ceremony in April?
Jennifer: Anyone who is interested in or excited about innovation, technology or business excellence is encouraged to attend the Prometheus Awards. This event has been called the “Academy Awards of Iowa’s high-tech industry,” and the evening is dedicated to celebrating Iowa’s innovative companies and individuals.
SPN: Why is important to recognize Iowa technology companies for efforts such as these?
Jennifer: One of the TAI’s priorities is to showcase the brilliant work happening all across Iowa. Innovative companies and individuals are so spread out across the state, so we feel it is important to 1.) bring these people physically together to provide the opportunity to network with other individuals and 2.) highlight the innovative work that Iowans are doing. There is a misperception that nothing is happening in Iowa. Events like the Prometheus Awards help to educate individuals – both locally and nationally – that Iowa is becoming an innovative and technology-driven state.
